CFP: Northeast Popular Culture Association

“Philosophy? I always preferred common sense.” This infuriating phrase has met the exasperated ears of many individuals invested in philosophy, whether people trained in the discipline, teaching in it, or simply appreciative of its value for society. Building bridges between philosophy and apparent “common sense,” however, depends upon those who have regard for philosophical discourse and inquiry. We are interested in papers that look at:

• Philosophy as related to television shows, sitcoms, reality TV shows, sports, wrestling, etc
• Problems of philosophy as they emerge on the big screen and film (live action or animated)
• Videogames, board games, live participation in games such as LARPing, Dungeons and Dragons, or Cosplay
• Fantasy, science fiction, and fiction novels and graphic novels, especially those with broad-base appeal and influence in their genre/niche
• Other major arenas of popular culture which implicate philosophical discourse and have definable reach for analysis
• Popular culture which conspicuously appeals to a major philosophical figure such as Aquinas, Plato, Descartes, Locke, Hobbes, Hume, etc (such as the show Lost)
• Any major branch or sub-branch of philosophy as applied to popular culture, including:

1. Epistemology
2. Aesthetics
3. Ethics
4. Politics
5. Metaphysics
6. Philosophy of religion

Both analytical and continental styles and figures within philosophy are welcome, although clarity of analysis and subject matter are always appreciated. Questions may be directed to Anthony G. Cirilla at [email protected], and abstracts can be submitted on the form found here: https://nepca.blog/conference/

The conference will be held at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, Portsmouth NH, on November 15th & 16th.